RALLY AGAINST PRIVATIZATION OF VISAKHA STEEL PLANT A rally organized by the Uttarandhra Visakha Steel Plant Parirakshana Vedika took place to protest the privatization of the Visakha Steel Plant. The march commenced from the Ambedkar Statue in Dabagardens and proceeded to the Gandhi Statue at GVMC. Participants voiced their concerns about the potential privatization, advocating for the preservation of the plant as a public asset crucial for the region''s economy and employment. The rally highlighted community solidarity and the importance of maintaining public ownership of essential industries.

INDIA POISED TO BECOME A HUB FOR GREEN SHIPBUILDING, SAYS MARITIME EXPERT India has significant potential to establish itself as a hub for green shipbuilding, driven by the government''s commitment to alternative fuels and renewable energy, according to Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, Regional Manager South East Asia, Pacific & India at DNV. As modernization and upgrades of Indian shipyards progress, older dockyards are being evaluated for reopening to meet the rising global demand for green maritime assets. This shift comes as traditional shipbuilding yards in Asia are at capacity, while the International Maritime Organization (IMO) aims for a phased reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Indian government is fostering investments and technology transfers from Japanese and Korean shipyards to create shipbuilding and repair clusters. Ship owners are increasingly looking for environmentally friendly assets and competitively priced yard space. DNV recently published a white paper titled "Indian Coastal Green Shipping Programme," which outlines India''s potential for sustainable maritime practices and recommendations for reducing carbon emissions in coastal shipping. This initiative, commissioned by the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in Mumbai, leverages Norway''s Green Shipping Programme as a model. A recent agreement with the Mumbai Port Sustainability Foundation will enhance DNV''s role in decarbonization efforts, promoting modernized port infrastructure to support green shipping. The Indian government aims to rank among the top 10 shipbuilding nations by 2030 and the top five by 2047. DNV has expanded its maritime advisory unit in India to assist local clients in decarbonization, digitalization, and compliance. With a workforce in India growing from 350 to over 900 in four years, DNV plans further expansion to support new contracts and technologies. "We are well-positioned to help India''s shipping industry achieve its net-zero goals and vision for 2047," Santa Maria stated.

AUCOET MAY BECOME IIT-VIZAG PENDING APPROVAL Andhra University College of Engineering & Technology (AUCoET) is on track to potentially gain Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) status, pending approval from the Andhra Pradesh government and the Union Ministry of Education. If approved, it will be designated either IIT-Vizag or IIT-Visakhapatnam, becoming the second IIT in Andhra Pradesh, following IIT-Tirupati. The proposal to elevate AUCoET has its roots in a 2005 initiative by the Union government, based on recommendations from the SK Joshi Committee. This committee identified AUCoET, along with other institutions, as eligible for IIT status but the initiative stalled for various reasons. Recent discussions with Union Ministry officials have reignited the proposal, highlighting AU''s long-standing history, extensive campus, and its central role in post-bifurcation Andhra Pradesh. Currently, AUCoET offers engineering programs across 14 branches, but a comprehensive review is required to move forward, necessitating intervention from the state government. Should the state give its approval, a review committee from the Council of IITs will evaluate AUCoET''s suitability for IIT status. Securing IIT status would enable hundreds of seats to enter the national pool, attracting students from various states and enhancing the institution''s appeal, especially given Visakhapatnam''s reputation as a vibrant city for education and employment.